Marantz has introduced the new 10 Series Collection of three reference-quality stereo products made up of the MODEL 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier, the SACD 10 Reference SACD player, and the LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player. This is the first time the brand has released a new range reference high-end stereo components since 2016.
The first product to be released from the new 10 Series Collection is the MODEL 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier, the most powerful one-box amplifier Marantz has ever made.
MODEL 10 is built around a newly designed dual-mono symmetrical amplifier topology and uses a completely new copper-plated, triple-layered chassis with a compartmentalized design structure designed to provide complete engineering separation of each critical internal function. Two internal compartments plus strategically placed shields isolate high and low power circuits from each other and prevent internal interference from limiting performance.
The MODEL 10 powerplant is newly engineered. In partnership with Purifi, Marantz developed a new amplifier, two of which are used to achieve dual-mono operation. It operates as a fully balanced amplifier from input to output, with individual power supplies for each amplifier channel and all line-level input circuitry powered by a separate linear power supply unit. Distortion is low — 0.05% THD across the entire audio band at full power and an order of magnitude better at half-rated power — while up to 30A of peak current means exceptional dynamic range, plus frequency response that is immune to load impedance.
Driving the novel amplifier section is an all-new preamplifier design based around the latest generation of Marantz’s HDAM analog circuitry. Designed to deliver the optimum combination of speed of response and transparency of signal, HDAM is a proprietary Marantz technology first introduced in the PM-99SE amplifier of 1992. The latest incarnation is the highest performing yet.
Of course, as a reference-class integrated amplifier, MODEL 10 has a commensurately substantial power output, with 250 watts into 8-ohm speaker loads, rising to 500 watts with 4-ohm designs. If even more power is required, owners can opt to add a second MODEL 10 to create a superlative biamplified stereo system using Marantz’s proprietary F.C.B.S (Floating Control Bus System) to link and control two amplifiers seamlessly. Up to four MODEL 10s can be connected together if needed.
Its porthole-style OLED display screen references the form of classic Marantz products of the past yet its thoroughly contemporary specification can switch from displaying volume level to selected input to a VU Meter mode, if desired. Brightness and display timeout options can also be adjusted. For those that prefer tactile interaction with their hi-fi, the MODEL 10 features CNC machined spun-finished aluminum control knobs for volume and input selection, each with individual bearings for a smooth feel. Even the remote handset is unique to MODEL 10, featuring a teal-colored aluminum top surface for added heft and premium feel. MODEL 10’s design features a unique mesh-covered grille section rippled with Marantz’s iconic rhythmic design pattern and illuminated from within.
Its solid aluminum side panels are almost 16mm thick, providing an ultra-low-resonance structure. At the front of the amplifier, the special hairline finish on the extruded aluminum control surface is perfectly complemented by discreet LED lighting embedded around the assembly complete with 20 steps of adjustment over its levels of illumination.
MODEL 10 includes an extensive array of analog inputs, including two XLR balanced ins, three RCA analog ins and a high-quality phono stage, complete with both MM and three impedance options for broad MC compatibility. Preamplifier outputs are also provided, again in both XLR and RCA. MODEL 10 can also be configured to run solely as a power amplifier, bypassing its internal preamplifier, when partnered with its sibling in the new 10 Series Collection, the LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player. Naturally, selectable speaker A/B outputs are also included, alongside a very high-quality headphone output.
More 10 Series Collection Products to Follow
Shortly after MODEL 10 launches, it will be joined by first the SACD 10, a statement-quality SACD player built to the same exacting standards as its amplifier sibling, and then the LINK 10n Reference Network Audio Player.
At the heart of LINK 10n is HEOS — a versatile digital audio engine that equips this reference model with a comprehensive feature complement. Discerning listeners can stream high resolution from TIDAL at up to the highest provided resolution of 192 kHz/24-bit. Music stored locally on USB or network servers can be played back at up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD 4X bit-perfect with no down sampling or conversion. An ever-growing list of other services and technologies are supported as well including Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Bluetooth, TuneIn, Deezer, Pandora, and more. Further, LINK 10n can play with up to 32 other HEOS Built-In devices, including home theater and stereo electronics, powered speakers, and soundbars in a home to create a diverse and entertaining whole-home audio system in which devices can be grouped to stream your favorite playlist in sync, or played separately. It’s all available from the HEOS app.
The Marantz MODEL 10 will be available soon for $15,000|€14,500|£12,000.
For more information, visit www.marantz.com.
